Apparatus for producing intercoupled relatively movable castings



NOV. 13, H DR APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING INTERCOUPLED RELATIVELY MOVABLE CASTINGS 2 Sheets-Sheet '1 Filed June 16, 194

Nov. 13, 1945.

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING INTERCOUPLED RELATIVELY MOVABLE CASTINGS Filed June 16, 1945 2 SheetsSheet 2 f 102 fig {@121 fl lf INVEN TOR BY W Twi L; H. MORJN 2,388,986

Patented Nov. 13, 1945 APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING INTER- COUPLED RELATIVELY MOVABLE CASTINGS I .ouis H. Morin, Bronx, N. Y., asslgnor of one-half to Davis Marinsky, Bronx, N. Y.

Application June 16, 1943, Serial No. 491,036

'12 Claims.

This invention relates to the formation of in-' terlocked or coupled castings. More particularly, the invention relates to apparatus employing relatively movable die members or parts, within and between which interlocked or coupled die castings are formed in each casting operation of the machine or apparatus, and further whereby successive castings are formed in interlocked or coupled relationship with each other to produce, for example, link chains.

The novel features of the invention will be best understood from the following description when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the invention are disclosed, and in which the separate parts are designated by suitable reference characters in each of the views, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic sectional view taken along the parting line of a die, and illustratin the formation of a few links of achain.

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing the position of the core in feeding a cast unit into a position preparatory to forming the next successive casting.

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Fig. l.

4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a section on the line 6-5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a section on the line 1-1 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a section on the line8-8 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 9 is a detail view of a few links of a completed chain made according to my invention, and

Figs. 10-15 inclusive are views similar to Figs. 3-8 inclusive but showing a modified form of tools or die parts and correspondingly modified products.

This application is a continuation in part of my prior application Serial Number 448,816, flied June 27, 1942, now Patent No. 2,363,801.

. My invention deals generally with the die casting of what might be termed interlocked or intercoupled members, regardless of the shape or contours of these members and comparative sizes thereof, and also regardless of the material employed. From the standpoint of material, it will be understood that the castings may be formed from any suitable die casting alloy or plastic injection molding material.

In order to simplify illustration of one adaptation of the invention, I have diagrammatically illustrated in the accompanying drawings the formation of a chain, wherein the links are of the same size and contour and of relatively simple design. At this time, it i also well to point out that where the castings are formed of plastic material, adjacent links or groups of links, may

be formed of different or contrasting colors by simply moving nozzles discharging different colored materials into registering position with the gate passage of the dies.

In the construction shown, In and H represent the two parts of the die, adjacent surfaces or the parting line of which is indicated at I2, note Fig; 3. 0n the parting line of the die is formed a gate or admission passage l3, which opens outwardly through one side of the die so that a nozzle I4 registering with the gate passage will facilitate pressure injection of the heated casting material into the cavity or impression l5, formed on the adjacent surfaces or parting line of the die. The gate 13 communicates with one enlarged chamber I6 and through the impression l5 to a corresponding chamber ll, in which chamber are arranged the forked ends I8 and IQ of a core member 20. It will thus be seen from a consideration of Figs. 3 and 8 that the casting material formed in. the chambers l6 and I1 and around the core member I8, I9 will form substantially U-shaped gate portions 2|, one of which includes the rod portion 22 formed in the gate opening l3.

The core 20 seats in the elongated recess 23. formed on adjacent surfaces of the dies [0 and H and the slot 24 of the core,- which forms the forked ends l8, l9, receives the members 25-30, which may be termed the core portions of the dies which form the openings of the resulting links 3| of the chain. In other words, the surfaces of the members 25-30 inclusive are flush with the other abutting surfaces of the dies and the various sections Figs. 3-7 inclusive will clearly illustrate this fact. Below the surface 30, ad-

jacent surfaces of the dies are recessed, as indi-,

cated at 32, to provide the clearance for receiving the castings, including the member 2|, while supported in position to receive the next successive cast link unit.

In the present construction and in order to increase production of the chain, I form in each unit casting two intercoupled links and this unit is then joined with the next unit of two links, so that, in two casting portions, four links of the resulting chain are formed.

Noting for example Fig. 7 of the drawings, it will appear that the ends of the links are formed by cavity portions 33, which unite a cavity 32 formed in the die part I 0 with a cavity 35 formed in the die part II, the cavity 33 crossing through the recess 24 in the forked members l8, 19 of the core 20. This same crossing takes place at each of the rounded ends of the links. In other words, again considering Fig. 7 of the drawings, it will appear that one long side of the link is formed at one side of the core l8, whereas the other long side 31 is formed on the opposite side of the core 20, whereas this condition is reversed on the next adjacent link. Note in this connection Fig. 6 of the drawings, in which figure the comparable sides 36 and 31 of the next link are arranged on directly opposed surfaces of the forks l8, I9 of the core 20. This structural arrangement will be clear from a. consideration of these figures, as well as Figs. 1 and 5. On the other hand, in considering Fig. 4, which shows a section taken through the overlapped, intercoupled portions of two link units, here the side portions of the intercoupled ends is illustrated, In other words, it shows the upper end of one link unit and the lower end of the adjacent link unit illustrating the core forks l8 and i9 separating these intercoupled ends one from the other.

Where the cross-portions 33, forming the rounded ends of the links, are formed in the dies, the surfaces of the dies will have projecting elements 38 which project from the normal surfaces of the dies, as is clearly illustrated in Fig. '7 and also by the small sectional portions in Fig. 1. In this figure, the sectional portions are on the die part II but corresponding sectional portions are on the die part II) but are covered by the links which are shown in elevation in Fig. 1.

In producing a chain according to the teachings diagrammatically illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the dies in and II are moved into firm engagement with each other around the core when in the position shown in Fig. 1. Casting material is then pressure injected into the cavities of the dies, after which the dies are separated and the core 20 is moved downwardly through any suitable means, such for example as a forked arm 39, engaging a pin 40 on the core. In its downward movement, the core 20 is projected to the position indicated in Fig. 2, whereupon the dies in and H are partially closed, the core stripped from the cast unit, then returned to the position shown in Fig. 1, after which the dies are again firmly moved into engagement with each other and the next casting operation is performed. In the above operation, the first casting is suspended from the members 29 of the separated dies and is also retained in the aligned position illustrated at X in Fig, 1 preparatory to the formation of the next casting Y. After the casting Y is formed, this casting is then moved into the position of the X casting, Fig. l, and this cycle of operation is continued.

As the links or chains feed out of the casting machine, they may be directly or indirectly passed through a trimming machine, which would trim off the U-shaped gate portions 2| along the lines 41, note Fig. 8 of the drawings, which trimming operation would free the two links of each cast unit, thus producing a resulting chain, note Fig, 9, in which all of the links are interlocked and free for independent movement one upon the other, as in conventional chain structures. Wherever desirable or considered necessary, the offset end portions of the links may be shaped by suitable dies or tools to flatten these ends. In accomplishing this result on plastic materials, it will be desirable to perform this operation while the casting is still warm or to re-heat the casting preparatory to this forming operation.

In producing most forms of castings according to the invention, water-cooled dies are employed and in the several views, 42 represents part of circulating chambers employed for this purpose, as previously stated. The particular shape or contour of each casting may be varied to suit the particular product to be produced and, where the product is in the form of a chain, the shape and size of the adjacent links of the chain may be varied, the only limitation being the necessity of forming the links, so as to provide free removal of the castings from the dies and further in establishing the interlinkage between adjacent castings or cast units. I

. In referring to the member 20 as a core member, it is to be borne in mind that this expression is descriptive of a. member movable with respect to the two die parts proper. In actual fact. however, in the present instance, the member 20 forms side surfaces of the resulting castings and from this standpoint, can properly be termed as a supplemental die part movable angularly with respect torelative movement of the dies ill and N. This member 20 also functions as a stripper removing the castings from the dies in and l I.

The illustrations in the accompanying drawings are chosen to disclose a simple adaptation of the invention. It will be apparent, however, that many more intricate forms of coupled or interlinked castings may be formed. In all instances, the coupled or interlinked portions of the castings will be overlapped and one die part, for eX- ample the supplemental die part, will form a partition subdividing these overlapped portions. As will appear from the present disclosure where two castings are simultaneously formed, overlapped portions of these castings are temporarily united through the medium of the gate portions. The severing of these gate portions frees the castings from each other, while retaining their coupled or linked relationship. It will also be apparent that in some instances, the two coupled or linked castings may be of an entirely different shape and contour. Still further in some instances, the two coupled castings or members may be retained in united relationship, for example where it may be desirable to maintain two adjacent links rigidly coupled to form what might be termed a dual link unit. In some instances, the gate portion may be made ornamental for this purpose.

The structure shown in Figs. 10-15 inclusive illustrates a slight modification in the form of the die or mould parts, the purpose of which is to simplify the construction of these parts, as well as to simplify repair of the dies. In resurfacin the dies, it will only be necessary to ream out the cavities for the reception of the core pin die parts and to correspondingly modify these parts by simply substituting larger core pins.

In Figs. 10-14 inclusive, 43 and 44 represent the main die parts similar to the parts I0 and H. 45 represents the core pin die part, the forked end of which comprises round pin-like members 4'5 and 41 similar to the forked ends l8 and 19.

In that the formation of the links in the dies 43, 44 is the same as that described in connection with Figs. 1-9 inclusive, this procedure will not be repeated and the links are generally identified by the reference character 48. The links 48 will differ from the links 3| primarily in the shape of the cross-head portions or ends 49 thereof, as will clearly appear upon a consideration of Fig. 15 of the drawings, this being due to the contour of the core 45 or the pin portions 46 and 41 thereof. It will also appear from a consideration of Fig. 14 of the drawings that the extending portions 38.employed in the dies I and II, note Fig. '7, are dispensed with, as the crosshe ds or ends 49 of the links will fit between the spaced pins 46, 41.

It will also be apparent from -a consideration of Fig. 15 of the drawings that the gate portions 50 extend around the cores d6, 41, note Fig. 10, the same as in the structure shown in Figs. 1-8, note in this connection Fig. 3. Upon trimming the gate portions 50, which unite the two links that are simultaneously cast, these links become separated and are relatively movable as with the links of an ordinary chain.

The links 48 may also be reshaped after the casting operation as with the links 3| and in forming castings of some materials, it 'may be necessary to first heat the links before the forming operation, unless such forming operation does not require the application of heat.

It will be apparent that with the present apparatus or die construction, the die part generally identified as a core functions in the present construction to form side surfaces of a pair of cast members formed in each casting operation of the apparatus, rather than forming a hole or recess in a casting, as is the usual function of a member of this type and kind. In this respect, the part in question is more accurately defined as a die part.

In forming the pair of cast members as links of a chain, it will be apparent that the rounded ends of the link of one member is in crossed relation to the end of the link of the companion member. This is also true of the relationship of the end of the preformed link member with the cast member formed within the latter. In other Words, all of the die parts collectively form two complete elongated loopcavities, as well as cavities to receive a portion of one of the pre-cast links and also in forming centrally of the dies the gate portion which is exposed to both of said loop cavities and serves to unite the pair of cast links in the coupled relationship set forth. The dies 20, 45 act in a sense as partitioning members which in addition to forming part of the resulting castings also space these castings one from the other.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An apparatus for formin pairs of intercoupled cast members, comprising two die parts having adjacent mold surfaces, said die parts be ing movable toward and from each other, another die part arranged between the surfaces of the first named die parts and movable transversely to the movement of the first named die parts, the first named die parts having centrally thereof a gate passage communicating with both cavities adjacent the crossed portions thereof, said gate passage forming on the resulting casting a gate part uniting the pair of intercoupled cast members, and means on said die parts spaced from the central portion thereof for receiving a part of one previously cast member and supporting the same in intercoupled and crossed relation 5 to the other member of the next successive casting formed between said die parts.

3. An apparatus for forming pairs of intercoupled cast members, comprising two die parts hav- 1 resulting casting a gate part uniting the pair of parts, said die parts collectively forming two cavities for the pair of members to be cast, each of said cavities crossing each other centrally of the first named die parts, the first named die parts having centrally thereof a gate passag communicating with both cavities adjacent the crossed portions thereof, and said gate passage forming intercoupled cast members, means on said die parts spaced from the central portion thereof for receiving a part of one previously cast memher and supporting the same in intercoupled and crossed relation to the other member of the next successive casting formed between said die parts, and the first named die parts having mold portions projecting from the impression surfaces thereof in partially forming all of the crossed portions of said cast members.

4. An apparatus for forming pairs of intercoupled cast members, comprising two die parts having adjacent mold surfaces, said die parts being movable toward and from each other, another die part arranged between the surfaces of the first named die parts and movable transversely to the movement of the first named die parts, said die parts collectively forming two independent cavities partitioned by the last named die part, said cavities having portions crossin each other in spaced relation centrally of the first named die parts,'and means comprising a gate passage exposed to both cavities centrally of the die parts and uniting the castings formed in said cavities by a core portion.

5. An apparatus for forming pairs of intercoupled cast members, comprising two die parts having adjacent mold surfaces, said die parts being a movable toward and from each other, another die part arranged between the surfaces of the first named die partsv and movable transversely to the movement of the first named die parts, said die parts collectively forming two independent cavities partitioned by the last named die parts, said cavities having portions crossing each other in spaced relation centrally of the first named die parts, means comprising a gate passage exposed to both cavities centrally of the die parts and uniting the castings formed in said cavities by a core portion, the second named die part forming means for removing the casting from the first named die parts in the separation thereof, and means for stripping the casting from thesecond mentioned die part.

6. An apparatus for forming pairs of intercounamed die parts and movable transversely to the movement of the first named die parts, said die parts collectively forming two independent cavities partitioned by the last named die part, said cavities having portions crossing each other in spaced relation centrally of the first named die parts, means comprising a gate passage exposed to both cavitie centrally of the die parts and uniting the castings formed in said cavitie by a core portion, and said die parts having means receiving part of a pre-formed casting in crossed relationship to the end portion of one of said cavities to form each casting in intercoupled relationship with a preformed casting.

7. An apparatus for forming intercoupled cast members, comprising a pair of dies movable toward and from each other, adjacent abutting surfaces of the dies defining the parting line thereof and having cavities partially forming the cavities of two independent castings to be formed, another die part arranged and movable on the parting line of saiddies and partitioning and partially forming said cavities, means comprising a gate passage opening to both cavities to unite the pair of independent castings formed in said cavities, and adjacent end portions of said cavities being spaced apart and in crossed relationship to each other.

8. An apparatus for forming intercoupled cast members, comprising -a pair of dies movable toward and from each other, adjacent abutting surfaces of the dies defining the parting line thereof and having cavities partially forming the cavities of two independent castings to lie-formed, another die part arranged and movable on the parting line of-said dies and partitioning and partially forming said cavities, means comprising a gate passage opening to both cavities to unite the pair of independent castings formed in said cavities, adjacent end portions of said cavities being spaced apart and in crossed relationship to each other, said die part having rods arranged in spaced relationship to each other on the parting line of the dies, and means on said dies filling the space between said rods except where the cavities cross from one die surface to the opposed die surface.

9. An apparatus for forming intercoupled cast members, comprising a pair of dies movable toward and from each other, adjacent abutting surfaces of the dies defining the parting line thereof and 'having cavities partially forming the cavities of two independent castings to be formed, another die part arranged and movable on the parting line of said dies and partitioning and partially forming said cavities, means comprising a gate passage opening to both cavities to unite the pair of independent castings formed in said cavities, adjacent end portions of said cavities being spaced apart and in crossed relationship to each other, said die part having rods arranged in spaced relationship to each other on the partin line of the dies, means on said dies filling the space between said rods except where the cavities cross from one die surface to the opposed die surface, and said rods being round in cross sectional form.

10. An apparatus for forming intercoupled cas members, comprising a pair of dies movable toward and from each other, adjacent abutting surfaces of the dies defining the parting line thereof and having cavities partially forming the cavities of two independent castings to be formed, another die part arranged and movable on the parting line of said dies and partitioning and partially forming said cavities, means comprising a gate passage opening to both cavities to unite the pair of independent castings formed in said cavities, adjacent end portions of said cavities being spaced apart and in crossed relationship to each other, said die part having rods arranged in spaced relationship to each bther on the part ing line of the dies, means on said dies filling the space between said rods except where the cavities cross from one die surface to the opposed die surface, and said dies and die part having means forming a recess to receive and support part of a pre-formed casting in crossed relation to one of the cavities of said dies.

11. In die casting machines, a die structure for forming crossed intercoupled castings, said die structure comprising three relatively movable dies, collectively forming when in abutting closed position two cavities adapted to form in the resulting casting intercoupled relatively movable cast members, one of said dies adapted to movev in a different plane than the plane of movement of the other two dies, said dies having means forming a gate portion temporarily uniting said independent cast members, and said dies having means receiving a portion of one precast member in forming each pair of cast members to produce of the resulting pairs of cast members a multiple link chain.

12. In dies for forming intercoupled relatively movable members, die parts having cavities on adjacent surfaces adapted to partially form said members, said die parts adapted to move toward and away from each other, another die part having a pair of members arranged between adjacent surfaces of the first named die parts and registering with said cavities to complete the formation of said cavities and to separate the cavities one from the other, said last named die part being movable substantially at right angles to the path of movement of the first mentioned die parts, and said first mentioned die parts having means adapted to receive the portions of one pre-cast member in forming each pair of cast members to produce of the resulting pairs of cast members a multiple link chain.

LOUIS H. MORIN. 

